How to Use Castor Oil for Medicinal Purposes
Castor oil is extracted from the castor seed, which grows on the castor plant. Castor oil has many purposes and is found in many commercial products, including brake fluid, ink, paint, soap and cosmetics. It also has many health benefits. The Food and Drug Administration has classified castor oil as both safe and effective.
Instructions
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Cure any sties in your eye by pouring in a small amount of castor oil and letting it flush out the eye. Be sure to check the label on your castor oil--some brands have a warning to keep the oil out of your eyes. Otherwise, it is safe.
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Make a pack with castor oil by soaking a square of flannel in the oil. Wring the excess oil out, place it on the area to be treated, and then place a hot water bottle or a heat pack on top. This remedy is intended for abdominal aches and other muscle aches, headaches, sinusitis or skin lesions.
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Use castor oil to treat acne. Clean and dry the area first, then massage a small amount of oil into your affected skin. Use a circular motion. You can leave this on overnight, or if you apply the oil in the morning, wash off after about 30 minutes. Apply moisturizer. Repeat for the next few days if necessary.
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Ingest castor oil to relieve constipation or to clean out your system if you've acquired food poisoning. Follow the dosage amounts on the label. Chilling the oil, then mixing it into a drink such as orange juice may help you deal with the taste of castor oil.
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Treat corns, warts, sunburn or bruises by applying castor oil to the affected area once or twice daily.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase a brand of castor oil that is labeled "cold-pressed."
Do not chew castor seeds, as they contain ricin, a poison that is deadly even in minute amounts.
